HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
JOHN B. COLEMAN HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM
RNSG 1301
PHARMACOLOGY AND THE NURSING PROCESS
SYLLABUS
(CRN 27651)
FALL 2012
1
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
JOHN B. COLEMAN HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM
RNSG 1301: PHARMACOLOGY AND THE NURSING PROCESS
FACULTY
Sofia John, MSN, RN, PNP, CNE
Office: 351 (Suite 359)
Office phone: (713) 718-7472
Email: sofia.john@hccs.edu
Office hours: (as posted)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to the science of pharmacology with emphasis on the actions, interactions, adverse effects,
and nursing implications of each drug classification. Topics include roles and responsibilities of the
nurse in safe administration of medications within a legal/ethical framework.
PRE-REQUISITES
Completion of the TEAS Entrance Exam with a 64 or above on all sections on the exam, ENG 1301,
PSYC 2301, and BIOL 2401 or Administrative approval.
COURSE GOALS
The student will have an introduction to the science of pharmacology including the roles and
responsibilities of the nurse in safe administration of medications within legal/ethical framework
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Role and Responsibilities: Identify the roles and responsibilities of the nurse in administering
pharmacological agents.
Knowledge: Use knowledge of pharmacology to demonstrate safe medication dosage calculation.
Definitions: Define pharmacology concepts and describe the process of medication administration.
Systematic Approach: Use a systematic approach to study drug therapy with emphasis on therapeutic
classifications and prototypical drugs.
Pathophysiology: Describe the pathophysiology of selected major conditions for which drug therapy is
commonly used
2
Characteristics: Describe characteristics of major drug groups and selected prototypical drugs in terms
of the following:
a. Mechanism of action
b. Indications for use
c. Contraindications to use
d. Expected therapeutic effects
e. Common or serious adverse effects
f. Accurate administration
g. Essential client teaching
Factors: Identify client-related and drug-related factors that influence drug effects.
Application of Nursing Process: Apply all steps of the nursing process to scenarios of clients receiving
one or more therapeutic drugs.
Drug Principles: Discuss principles of drug selection, dosage, and route in special populations (i.e.,
children, older adults, and clients with impaired renal or hepatic function).
Clinical Application: Discuss clinically significant drug-drug, drug-disease, and drug-nutrient
interactions.
Administration: Discuss nursing process implications of administering or supervising drug therapy in
the home setting.
Legal/Ethical: Describe selected legal, ethical, and economic aspects of drug therapy.
Over-the-counter drugs: Evaluate over-the-counter drugs for patient use or with regard to instruction of
clients.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Appropriate learning objectives will be supplied in relation to the above listed SLOs, and in accordance
with the material covered in each of the topics.
SCANS OR CORE CURRICULUM STATEMENT
The U.S. department of Labor Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) to
enter the workplace has determined that a total of 43 competencies must be addressed and method(s) of
determining competency listed:
Three Competencies have been assigned to RNSG 1301:
Use information skills to process computerized information.
Obtain data regarding pharmacological agents, drug interactions, and new drugs and demonstrate the
ability to compute dosages and delivery of medications. This will be accomplished with a hand-written
medication drug calculation test along with math problems on computerized examinations.
3
Enhance basic skills: demonstrate arithmetic skill.
This will be accomplished with a hand-written medication drug calculation test along with math
problems on computerized examinations.
Enhance basic skills: demonstrate mathematic skill.
This will be accomplished with a hand-written medication drug calculation test along with math
problems on computerized examinations.
COURSE CALENDAR
Placement of content may vary by semester. Refer to your calendar on Eagle online to specific dates
and content. The sequencing is subject to changes as deemed necessary by faculty/administration.
Students will be notified of changes as soon as possible.
CLASS MEETING TIMES
Wednesday: 10 am to 1 pm, Room 575
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
Adams, P. & Urban, C. (2013). Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice. (2nd edition) Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson. ISBN: 013281420-978013281423
Pearson’s My Nursing Lab Retrieved from http://www.mynursinglab.com ISBN: 013-2166046
Morris, D (2006). Calculate With Confidence (5th). St. Louis, MO: Mosby. ISBN 0-323-05629-8
CAE Healthcare, METI eDose (Drug dosage Calculations & Learning and Assessment software)
retrieved from http://www.edose.net
Recommended Textbook:
Hogan, M. (2005). Pharmacology: Reviews & Rationales. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Person.
ISBN: 0-13-030462-X
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
A. Methods of Instruction
a. Required readings
b. Audiovisuals
c. Lecture and discussion
d. Question and answer
B. Methods of Evaluation
a. Computerized Quizzes
b. Multiple-choice computerized examinations
c. Written math examination on drug calculations
C. Contemporary Technology
a. Computer-assisted instruction and testing
4
b. Access to the Internet
c. Access to Medline and other computerized databases
d. Access to My Nursing lab
D. Concept Reinforcement
a. Computerized Quizzes
b. Critical thinking scenarios
c. Study guide exercises
d. Current research and literature discussion
e. Individual faculty-student conferences
EVALUATION
1. Three (3) computer-generated multiple choice exams will be administered. One hour will be
allowed for the exam and 20 minutes will be allowed for review of the completed exam.
Refer to course calendar for date and time of exams. Student concerns regarding exam
questions/content must be addressed within 1 week of the exam.
a. Students will be assigned to exam rooms.
b. A student must have a current HCC Student identification badge in order to be
admitted to all examinations. Faculty have the right to refuse admittance in the
testing site if a student does not provide a current HCC student ID badge at the time
of testing. A pencil/pen, calculator will be the only items allowed in the computer
during exams.
c. If faculty has any doubt concerning your behavior during an exam, you will be asked
to leave the computer lab and you will receive a ZERO as the exam grade. NO
EXCEPTIONS.
d. All missed unit examinations will be taken the final week of the semester. The
schedule for the examinations will be depended upon space availability.
e. Examination content will be constructed from lecture and required textbook reading
assignments. ADN policy requires that each student report for the examinations on
time. NO STUDENT will be admitted to the exam if s/he arrives AFTER the
scheduled exam time.
2. Students are required to access Pearson’s my nursing Lab web site and complete the pretest
quiz prior to class lecture. Students not successful on the pre-test quizzes are expected to
complete the remediation plan prior to taking the post –test quiz. Post test quizzes related to
the lecture topics covered on each respective exam must be completed prior to the
scheduled exam. Post-test Quizzes can only be taken one time. SEE QUIZ
DEADLINES ON COURSE CALENDAR. Post-test quiz grades will be averaged
for 5% of the course grade.
3. Drug Cards: All students are required to complete the Drug Card/Profile (see attached)
sheet for each drug class covered. The Drug Card must include Drug classification, list of
drugs, mode of action, indications, side effects/ food &/or drug interactions/
contraindications, adverse effects, nursing implications, and patient education. The drug
cards must be submitted on Eagle online for each drug class covered prior to each exam for
that drug class. Drug cards are worth 5% of the course grade.
5
4. TV Ad-Group Project: One drug card is a group project that must be on a specific drug
based on a TV pharmaceutical commercial (see attached). TV Ad/ Group project is worth
5% of the course grade.
5. A dosage calculation exam will be administered from the eDose software program in the
computer lab (see schedule for date and time). NO CELL PHONES,
PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATORS, OR PDAs WILL BE ALLOWED DURING
THE EXAM. Student will be allowed to use a nonprogrammable calculator for the math
exam. Student concerns regarding the exam must be addressed within 1 week of the exam.
Students are required to access eDose: Meti software program and complete the Medication
dosage calculation skill modules: medication orders and SI units, tablets & capsules, liquid
medicines, injections and IV infusions. All students must complete the modules before
11/28/2012. This software program is an integrated learning and assessment platform. The
student can log on from anywhere with an internet connection. This is a self-directed, fully
interactive, narrated, and web-based program. The student will be able learn drug dosage
calculation skills. The dosage/math exam is 10% of course grade.
7.
Grading Criteria:
Grading Scale:
Exam 1
20%
A = 90-100
Exam 2
25%
B = 80-89
Exam 3
30%
C = 75-79 *
Quizzes
5%
D = 60-74
Math Exam
10%
F = 59 or below
Drug Cards
5%
Group Project 5%
*In order to pass the course with an RNSG prefix, a minimum
Grade of “C” (75%) must be achieved
Student Name (print):
Last
First
Exam 1
20% of Grade
X .20 =
Exam 2
25% of Grade
X .25 =
Exam 3
30% of Grade
X .30 =
Quizzes
5% of Grade
X .05 =
Math Exam
10% of Grade
X .10 =
Drug Cards
5% of Grade
______ X .05
Group Project
5% of Grade
________X .05 = ______________
Course Final Grade:
6
= ______________
ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS
Daily classroom attendance records will be maintained. A student, in order to be counted as present,
the student must sign the attendance sheet. Failure to sign the attendance roster will result in being
marked absent for the day. The student may be marked absent if not present after the first thirty
minutes of class. A student signs only his/her own name and never signs the attendance sheet for
another student. Signing for another student is a form of academic dishonesty and grounds for
dismissal.
Tardiness may sometimes be unavoidable. The student is expected to make a concerted effort to arrive
on time for all classes. If, for some unavoidable reason the student must be late, they are requested to
enter the class during the next break. This will avoid disruption of the ongoing lecture. If the student
has a pattern of tardiness, this will be dealt with by the lead instructor and program director
Absences exceeding 12.5% of lecture courses may result in reporting to Early Alert Program and /or
administrative withdrawal of the student from the course. Students may be dropped from a course after
accumulating absences in excess of 12.5% hours of instruction.
Course withdrawal policy: Before withdrawing from a course, please take the time to meet with the
instructor to discuss why it is necessary to withdraw. The instructor may be able to assist a student with
suggestions that would help the student to stay in class. Students needing to withdraw from a course
should do so prior to the final withdrawal date. A new state law no longer allows instructors to assign
a “W” after the official drop date and the student will be assigned an “F” in the course. Beginning
in the Fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more
than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or
degree.
POLICIES
All students will adhere to HCCS policies as delineated in the HCCS and ADN handbooks. Students
who repeat a course three or more times may face significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other
Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your instructor/counselor about opportunities for
tutoring/other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal, or if you are not receiving a passing
grade.
A.D.N. Handbook: Students are responsible for reading the Associate Degree Nursing Program
Student Handbook. The student will complete the acknowledgement form and return it to the instructor
within seven (7) days.
Classroom Behavior: As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to
develop and maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes their
responsibility very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavioral makes it difficult
for him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs of
your classmates and assist your instructor to achieve this critical goal.
Use of Camera and Recording devices: As a student active in the learning community of this course,
it is your responsibility to be respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. TO show respect
7
of your fellow students and instructor, you will turn off your pone and other electronic devices, and
will not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor. Use of
recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders is prohibited in classrooms,
laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring or testing occurs.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc) who
needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the
respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
TUITION/FEE INCREASES
Students who repeat a course three or more times may face significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other
Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your instructor/counselor about opportunities for
tutoring/other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal, or if you are not receiving passing grades.
REMEDIATION/EARLY ALERT PROGRAM/CONTACT ACTION FORM:
The Houston Community College Early Alert/Contact action form program has been established to
assist in the overall effort to retain students who are at risk of failing, withdrawing, or dropping a
course. This process requires instructional faculty and student support staff to identify students who are
performing poorly as early as possible and provide relevant support services to help students overcome
their deficiencies. A student is identified when an instructor notices academic or personal difficulties
that affect student’s academic performance. The possible problem(s) could be tardiness, missed/failed
test scores, excessive absences, or a number of other circumstances. Once a referral is made
counselors will then contact students to discuss the issues and possible solutions/student plan for their
academic or personal difficulties.
When an Early Alert/contact action referral has been initiated either for academic or personal
difficulties, a student must provide documentation of completion of student remediation plan to
the assigned advisor prior to next unit exam. Student will not be allowed to take the next
scheduled unit exam if student fails to provide documentation of completion of student plan.
Students who are in need of additional assistance may contact counselor’s to help with developing
strategies for improvement. Coleman counselors are located on the 2nd floor Student Services office.
The A.D.N. Program counselor Regina Ricks (713-718-7430) is available upon request.
Instructor Responsibilities:
Provide a course outline and class calendar
Provided the grading scale and explain how student grades are determined
Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and testing
Return grade assignments within one week
Post office hours to meet with students before or after class
Assist students to be successful in this class
Student Evaluation of the Course:
EGLS3 Evaluation for greater learning student survey system. “At Houston Community college,
professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning.
During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based
questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your
8
professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the EGLS3 as part of
the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the course.
XVII.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
COURSE OUTLINE
Unit 1: Fundamental Principles of Pharmacology
Unit 2: Math
Unit 3: Pharmacology of the Autonomic Nervous System
Unit 4: Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System
Unit 5: Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases
Unit 6: Pharmacology of the Respiratory System and Allergy
Unit 7: Pharmacology of the Gastrointestinal System
Unit 8: Pharmacology of the Endocrine System
Unit 9: Pharmacology of the Cardiovascular System
Unit 10 Pharmacology of the Neoplastic Disease
Unit 11: Pharmacology of the Eye, Ear and Skin System
Unit 12: Pharmacology of Body Defenses
9
XVIII. UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES AND RELATED CONTENT
Unit 1:
Fundamental Principles of Pharmacology
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. State the origin and definition of pharmacology.
2. Explain the meaning of therapeutic methods.
3. Describe the process used to name drugs.
4. Differentiate among the chemical, generic, official and brand names of medicines.
5. List official sources of drug standards.
6. List legislative acts controlling drug use and abuse.
7. Differentiate among Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V medications, and describe nursing
responsibilities associated with the administration of each type of drug.
8. Describe the procedure outlined by the FDA to develop and market new medicines.
9. Identify the five basic principles of drug action.
10. Explain nursing assessments necessary to evaluate potential problems associated with the
absorption of medications.
11. Describe nursing interventions that can enhance drug absorption.
12. Identify the meaning and significance to the nurse of the term half-life when used in relation to
drug therapy.
13. Compare and contrast the following terms used with regard to medications: desired action, side
effects, adverse effects, allergic reactions, and idiosyncratic reactions.
14. List the factors that cause variations in absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion of
drugs.
15. State the mechanism by which drug interactions may occur.
16. Differentiate among the following terms used with regard to medications: additive effect,
synergistic effect, antagonist effect, displacement, interference, and incompatibility.
17. Discuss the effects of age on drug action.
18. Identify the purpose for using the nursing process methodology.
19. State the five steps in the nursing process and describe in terms of a problem-solving method
used in nursing practice.
Content
Drug regulations
Principles of drug administration
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
Adverse drug effects and drug interactions
Medication errors and risk reduction
10
Unit 2:
Math
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Demonstrate proficiency in calculating mathematical problems using addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and/or division of fractions.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in calculating mathematical problems using the addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and/or division of decimals.
3. Convert decimals to fractions and fractions to decimals.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in calculating mathematical problems using percents.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in converting ratios to percents and percentages to ratios, in
simplifying ratios, and in using the proportion method for solving problems.
6. Memorize the basic equivalents of household, apothecary, and metric systems.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in performing conversion of medication problems utilizing the
household, apothecary, and metric systems.
8. Memorize common abbreviations used in clinical practice.
9. Use formulas to calculate intravenous fluid administration rates (IV) and to calculate
medication dosages (PO, SC, and IM).
Content
Math review
Roman Numerals
Fractions
Decimals
Ratio-proportion
Percentages
Systems of measurement
Metric system
Apothecary and Household systems
Converting within and between the systems
Symbols and Abbreviations for units of measure used in medication administration
Temperature conversion rule
Commonly used medication abbreviations
Does not use list of medication abbreviations
Methods of Administration and Calculations
Oral and parenteral dosage forms
Intravenous Calculations
11
Unit 3:
Pharmacology of the Autonomic Nervous System
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Discuss the sympathetic nervous system as related to drug therapy with adrenergic agonists.
Explain the action of drugs that inhibit the actions of cholinergic and adrenergic fibers.
Name the most common neurotransmitters known to affect central nervous system function.
Identify the two major neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system.
Identify two broad classes of drugs used to stimulate the adrenergic nervous system.
Name the neurotransmitters called catecholamine.
Review the action of adrenergic agents to identify conditions that would be affected favorably
and unfavorably by these medications.
8. Explain the rationale for using adrenergic blocking agents for conditions that have
vasoconstriction as part of the disease pathophysiology.
9. Describe the benefits of using beta-adrenergic blocking agents for hypertension, angina
pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, and hyperthyroidism.
10. Identify disease conditions that would preclude the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents.
11. List the neurotransmitters responsible for cholinergic activity.
12. List the predictable side effects of cholinergic agents.
13. List the predictable side effects anticholinergic agents.
14. Describe the clinical uses of anticholinergic agents.
Content
Basic review of the autonomic nervous system
Classifying autonomic drugs
Cholinergic Agonists
Cholinergic Antagonists
Adrenergic Agonists
Adrenergic Antagonists
12
Unit 4:
Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Analgesic agents
a. Define analgesia.
b. Discuss the major components of pain theory.
c. Differentiate among opiate agonists, opiate partial agonists, and opiate antagonists.
d. Describe monitoring parameters necessary for patients receiving opiate agonists.
e. List the different drugs in the groupings of opiate analgesics.
f. Compare the analgesic effectiveness of opiate partial agonists when administered
before or after opiate agonists.
g. Compare the mechanism of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing
implementation and indication for opiate agonists, agonist antagonists, &Opiate
antagonists.
h. Discuss the different "special" pain situations and its management.
i. List the nursing interventions of pain management, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to pain relief.
j. List safety measures of pain management.
k. Define equianalgesic opioids potency.
l. Explain when Naloxone can be used effectively to treat respiratory depression.
m. Explain why synthetic nonopiate analgesics are not used for inflammatory disorders.
n. List the pediatric and geriatric considerations for opioids administration and its
implications.
o. Identify the legal and ethical principles of opioids administration.
2. General & local anesthetics
a. Define anesthesia
b. Discuss the differences between and indications of general & local anesthetics.
c. List the most commonly used general & local anesthetics with their associated risk
factors.
d. Discuss what occurs in anesthesia, including the stages of anesthesia.
e. Describe essential components of patient assessment used for patients receiving
neuromuscular blocking agents.
f. Describe the physiologic effects of neuromuscular blocking agents.
g. Identify the effect of neuromuscular blocking agents on consciousness, memory, and
the pain threshold.
h. Describe disease conditions that may affect the patient’s ability to tolerate the use of
neuromuscular blocking agents.
i. List the steps required to treat respiratory depression.
j. Compare the mechanism, action, side effects, cautions, contraindications, nursing
implementations & indications for general & local anesthesia.
3. CNS Depressants & Muscle relaxants
a. Differentiate among the terms sedative and a hypnotic agent, and rebound sleep and
paradoxical excitement.
13
b. Discuss the differences between benzodiazepines and barbiturates as sedativehypnotic agents.
c. Identify specific benzodiazepines and barbiturate agents.
d. Identify alterations found in the sleep pattern when hypnotics are discontinued.
e. List nursing interventions that can be implemented as alternatives to administering a
sedative/hypnotic.
f. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects of skeletal muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.
g. List patient education guidelines for patients receiving sedative hypnotic agents &
muscle relaxants.
h. Compare the effects of barbiturates and benzodiazepines on the central nervous
system.
i. Explain the major benefits of administering benzodiazepines rather than
barbiturates.
j. Identify laboratory tests that should be monitored when benzodiazepines or
barbiturates are administered over an extended period.
4. Antiepileptic agents
a. Prepare a chart to be used as a study guide that includes the following information:
1. Name of seizure type
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
2. Description of seizure
3. Medications used to treat each type of seizure
4. Nursing interventions and monitoring parameters for seizures.
Differentiate between the terms epilepsy, seizures and convulsions.
Discuss the basic classification system used to describe types of epilepsy.
Define status epileptics.
Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with the various antiepileptic agents.
State the desired therapeutic outcomes for drug therapy for seizure disorders.
Identify the mechanisms of action thought to control seizure activity when
anticonvulsants are administered.
List patient education guidelines for patients receiving antiepileptic agents.
Discuss therapeutic plasma levels of narrow therapeutic index in antiepileptic
agents.
5. Antiparkinsonian agents
a. Name the neurotransmitter that is found in excess and the neurotransmitter that is
deficient in persons with Parkinsonism.
b. Describe reasonable expectations of medications prescribed for treatment of
Parkinson’s disease.
c. List the different classes of medications used as antiparkinsonian agents.
d. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with the use of each antiparkinsonian agent.
e. Identify the period of time necessary for a therapeutic response to be observed when
drug therapy for Parkinsonism is initiated.
f. Discuss neuroprotective therapy.
14
g. List the nursing actions related to the administration of the various antiparkinsonian
agents.
h. List the patient education guidelines for patients receiving antiparksonian agents.
i. Identify the therapeutic patient responses to the antiparksonian agents.
j. List symptoms that can be attributed to the cholinergic activity of pharmacological
agents.
k. Identify the specific symptoms that show improvement when anticholinergic agents
are administered to the patient with Parkinson’s disease.
6. Psychotherapeutic agents
a. Describe major indications for the use of antipsychotic agents.
b. Define terminology associated with anxiety states.
c. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with psychotherapeutic agents.
d. Discuss psychological and physiologic drug dependence.
e. Describe the essential components of a baseline assessment of a patient with
depression or bipolar disorder.
f. Compare drug therapy used during the treatment of the manic phase and depressive
phase of bipolar disorder.
g. Identify monitoring parameters used for persons taking monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or tricyclic
antidepressants.
h. Differentiate between the physiologic and psychologic therapeutic responses seen
with antidepressant therapy.
i. Identify premedication assessments necessary before administration of MAOIs,
SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and antimanic agents.
7. CNS stimulant agents
a. List the various CNS stimulant agents
b. Define the following terms
c. analeptic
d. CNS stimulant
e. methylxanthines
f. Identify the mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, cautions, side
effects & toxic effects of CNS stimulants.
g. Identify the variety of conditions & disorders being treated with CNS stimulants.
Content
Review of the Central nervous system
Pharmacotherapy of anxiety and Insomnia
Pharmacotherapy of Mood disorders
Pharmacotherapy of psychoses
Pharmacotherapy of degenerative diseases of the CNS
Pharmacotherapy of seizures
Pharmacotherapy of muscle spasms and spasticity
CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD
Pharmacotherapy of severe pain and migraines & Anesthetics and anesthesia adjuncts
15
Unit 5:
Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Antibiotic agents
a. Identify baseline data the nurse should collect on a continuous basis for comparison
and evaluation of antimicrobial drug effectiveness.
b. Identify criteria used to select an effective antimicrobial agent.
c. Differentiate between gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms and
between anaerobic and aerobic properties of microorganisms.
d. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with antimicrobial agents.
e. Describe the nursing assessment and interventions for the common side effects
associated with antimicrobial agents: allergic reaction; direct tissue damage from
nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, or hepatotoxicity; secondary infection; and other
considerations such as photosensitivity, peripheral neuropathy, and neuromuscular
blockage.
2. Antiviral agents
a. Discuss the effects of viruses on the human body
b. Discuss the indications, contraindications, cautions, routes, mechanisms of action,
side effects, toxicity & therapeutic effects related to antiviral agents.
c. Identify the various antiviral agents and their specific indications.
3. Antitubercular agents
a. Identify the various first and second line agents used for the treatment of
tuberculosis.
b. Discuss the mechanisms of action, dosages, and side effects, indications for
treatment, cautions, contraindications & drug interactions associated with the
various antitubercular agents.
c. Discuss teaching guide for patients receiving any of the antitubercular agents.
4. Antifungal agents
a. Identify the various antifungal medications.
b. Describe the mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, routes of
administration, side and toxic effects, & the drug interactions associated with the use
of antifungal agents.
c. List educational guidelines for patients receiving antifungal medications.
5. Antimalarial, antiprotozoal, & antihelmintic agents
a. Identify the various antimalarial, antiprotozal, & antihelmintic agents.
b. Identify the signs of malaria, protozoan & helminthic infections.
c. Discuss the mechanisms of actions, indications, cautions, contraindications, side
effects & routes of administration associated with each antimalarial, antihelmintic &
antiprotozoal agent.
d. List nursing interventions for patients receiving antimalarial, antiprotozoal, &
antihelmintic agents for various infestations.
16
6. Antiinflammatory, antirheumatoid & related agents
a. Describe how nonsteroidal antiinflammatory (NSAIDS) and other antiinflammatory
agents exert their mechanism of action
b. List the various NSAIDS, antigout agents & antiarthritic agents.
c. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, side effects, dosage ranges, cautions,
contraindications & drug interactions associated with the use of NSAIDS, antigout
agents, & antiarthritic agents.
7. Antiseptic & disinfectant agents
a. Identify the differences between antiseptics and disinfectants.
b. Identify the most commonly used & prescribed disinfectants & antiseptics.
Content
Basic principles of Anti-Infective Pharmacotherapy
Antibiotics affecting the bacterial cell wall
Antibiotics affecting bacterial protein synthesis
Fluoroquinolones and Miscellaneous antibacterials
Sulfonamides and the Pharmacotherapy of Urinary tract Infections
Pharmacotherapy of inflammation and fever
Pharmacotherapy of mycobacterial infections
Pharmacotherapy of fungal infections
Pharmacotherapy of protozoan and helminthic infections
Pharmacotherapy of non –HIV viral infections
Pharmacotherapy of joint disorders
Pharmacotherapy of Gout
17
Unit 6:
Pharmacology of the Respiratory System and Allergy
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Antihistamines, decongestants, Antitussives & expectorants
a. State the causes of allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion.
b. Differentiate between the various agents: antihistamines, decongestants,
antitussives & expectorants.
c. Define rhinitis medicamentosa and describe the patient education needed to prevent
it.
d. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives &
expectorants.
e. Review the procedure for administration of medications by nose drops, sprays, and
inhalation.
f. Explain why all decongestant products should be used cautiously in persons with
hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease, increased
intraocular pressure, or prostatic disease.
g. Identify essential components involved in planning patient education that will
enhance compliance with the treatment regimen.
h. State the nursing assessments needed to monitor therapeutic response and the
development of side effects to expect or report form expectorant, antitussive and
mucolytic therapy.
2. Bronchodilators and Other Respiratory Agents
a. Describe the anatomy & physiology of the respiratory system.
b. Describe how lower respiratory tract diseases affect the respiratory system.
c. Discuss the manifestations of lower respiratory tract diseases.
d. Identify factors that precipitate lower respiratory tract diseases.
e. Identify the various respiratory agents, both the classes and specific agents used in
the treatment of lower respiratory tract diseases.
f. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with bronchodilators & other respiratory agents.
g. Identify nursing assessments used to evaluate the respiratory status of a patient.
h. State the nursing assessments needed to monitor therapeutic response and
development of side effects to expect or report from sympathomimetic
bronchodilator therapy.
i. State the nursing assessments needed to monitor therapeutic response and
development of side effects to expect or report from corticosteroid inhalant therapy.
j. List the nursing interventions that relieve, prevent or decrease the manifestations of
the lower respiratory tract diseases.
k. List the patient education guidelines for patients receiving bronchodilators and other
respiratory agents.
18
Content
Review of the pulmonary system
Pharmacotherapy of asthma and other pulmonary disorders
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis and the common cold
Drugs for the common cold
Antitussives
Expectorants and mucolytics
19
Unit 7:
Pharmacology of the Gastrointestinal System
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Antacids & acid controllers
a. Identify common stomach disorders that require drug therapy.
b. Identify factors that prevent breakdown of the body’s normal defense barriers
resulting in ulcer formation.
c. Identify the various agents used to treat gastric disorders, including antacids, H2
Histamine blocking agents & proton pump inhibitors.
d. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with antacids & acid controlling agents.
e. List the patient education guidelines associated with the use of antacids & acid
controllers.
f. Identify outcome criteria used to monitor therapeutic patient responses in the use of
antacids & acid controllers.
2. Antidiarrheals & laxatives
a. State the underlying causes of constipation.
b. Explain the meaning of “normal” bowel habits.
c. Identify the indications for use, method of action, and onset of action for contact or
stimulant laxatives, saline laxatives, lubricant or emollient laxatives, bulk-forming
laxatives, and fecal softeners.
d. Describe medical conditions in which laxatives should not be used.
e. List the causes of diarrhea.
f. State the differences between locally acting and systemically acting antidiarrheal
agents.
g. Identify electrolytes that should be monitored whenever prolonged or severe
diarrhea is present.
h. Describe nursing assessments needed to evaluate the state of hydration in patients
suffering from either constipation or dehydration.
i. Identify conditions that generally respond favorably to antidiarrheal agents.
j. List the patient education guidelines associated with the use of antidiarrheals and
laxative agents.
3. Antiemetic (antinausea) agents
a. Discuss the pathophysiology of nausea & vomiting.
b. Identify the antiemetic agents and their drug classifications.
c. Identify the neurotransmitters involved in the process of nausea & vomiting.
d. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with antiemetic agents.
e. Discuss scheduling of antiemetics for maximum benefit.
f. List the patient teaching guidelines for patients receiving antiemetic agents.
4. Vitamins & minerals
20
a. Differentiate between information found in the dietary reference intake tables and
the recommended dietary allowance tables.
b. Identify the role of vitamins & minerals in the functioning of the human body.
c. Differentiate between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.
d. Identify the nutritional states & diseases caused by vitamin and mineral imbalances.
e. Discuss the treatment of the various vitamin and mineral imbalances.
f. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with vitamins & minerals.
5. Nutritional supplements
a. Describe the nutritional assessments essential proper to administration of tube
feedings and parenteral nutrition.
b. Identify common laboratory and diagnostic tests used to monitor a patient’s
nutritional status.
c. Discuss nursing assessment and interventions required during the administration of
enteral nutrition.
d. Discuss home care needs for a patient receiving enteral or parenteral nutritional
feedings.
e. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with enteral & parenteral supplements.
f. Compare the various enteral & parenteral supplements with their ingredients.
Content
Review of the gastrointestinal system
Pharmacotherapy of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease
Proton pump inhibitors
H2-receptro antagonists
Antacids
Pharmacotherapy of Helicobacter pylori infections
Miscellaneous drugs used for peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease
21
Unit 8:
Pharmacology of the Endocrine System
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Pituitary Agents
a. Describe the normal function of the anterior and posterior aspects of the pituitary
gland.
b. Identify the various pituitary agents.
c. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, side effects and contraindications
related to pituitary agents.
2. Thyroid and antithyroid agents
a. Discuss the normal actions and functions of the thyroid hormones.
b. Describe the signs, symptoms, treatment, and nursing interventions associated
with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
c. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications and cautions
and side effects related to thyroid agents.
d. Identify the two classes of drugs used to treat thyroid disease.
e. Name the drug of choice for hypothyroidism.
f. Discuss the actions of antithyroid medications on the formation and release of
hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
g. State the three types of treatment for hyperthyroidism.
h. Explain the nutritional requirements and activity restrictions needed for individuals
with hyperthyroidism.
i. Identify the types of conditions that respond favorably to the use of radioactive
iodine- 131.
j. Explain the action of propylthiouracil on the synthesis of T3 and T4.
k. Identify the teaching guidelines for patients receiving thyroid or antithyroid agents.
3. Antidiabetic and hypoglycemic agents
a. Discuss the normal actions and functions of the pancreas and the feedback system
that regulates it.
b. Describe the current classification system for diabetes mellitus.
c. Describe the differences between hyposecretion and hypersecretion of insulin and
between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
d. Describe the various factors influencing the blood glucose levels in the presence or
absence of diabetes mellitus.
e. Identify the objectives of dietary control of diabetes mellitus.
f. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications and cautions, and
side effects relating to the insulin, oral antidiabetic and hypoglycemic agents.
g. Differentiate among the signs, symptoms, and management of hypoglycemia and
hyperglycemia.
h. Discuss the contributing factors of, nursing assessments for, and nursing
interventions for patients exhibiting complications associated with diabetes mellitus.
i. Identify the teaching guidelines for patients receiving insulin, oral antidiabetic
agents or hypoglycemic agents.
22
4. Adrenal agents
a. Review the normal actions and functions of the adrenal system and its feedback
mechanism.
b. Describe the differences between hypersecretion and hyposecretion of the adrenal
gland.
c. State the normal actions of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the body.
d. Identify the baseline assessments needed for a patient receiving corticosteroids.
e. Prepare a list of the clinical uses of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.
f. Discuss the mechanism of action of, indications for, contraindications and cautions
to, and side effects associated with the use of adrenal medications.
g. Identify the teaching guidelines for patients receiving adrenal medications.
5. Women's Health agents
a. Describe the body changes that can be anticipated with the administration of
estrogens and progesterone.
b. State the uses of estrogens and progestins.
c. Describe the rationale for the various treatments and cite dosages, side effects,
cautions, contraindications and drug interactions associated with estrogen and
progestin therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, fertility agents and drugs
used in labor and delivery.
d. Discuss combined oral contraceptives and selective estrogen receptor modulators.
e. List the expected therapeutic responses to the various women's health agents.
f. Describe the therapeutic responses to uterine stimulants and relaxants, as well as
their mechanism of actions, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions.
g. State the nursing assessments and monitoring parameters for agents used in
h. women's health.
i. Explain the pathogenesis and pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis.
j. Explain the nurse’s role in caring for clients receiving drug therapy for the treatment
of osteoporosis.
k. Identify the teaching guidelines for patients receiving women's health agents.
6. Men's health agents
a. 1. Discuss the normal anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system.
b. 2. Identify the various male reproductive agents and their indications with rationale
for use.
c. 3. Describe the pharmacological treatments of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
d. 4. Describe the pharmacological treatment of erectile dysfunction.
e. 5. Identify teaching guidelines for patients receiving male reproductive agents.
Content
Review of the Endocrine system
Pharmacotherapy of growth Hormone disorders
Pharmacotherapy of antidiuretic hormone disorders
Pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus types of diabetes
Complications of Diabetes mellitus
23
Drug therapy for diabetes: Insulin
Drug therapy for diabetes: oral antidiabetic drugs
Sulfonylurea
Biguanides: Metaformin
Meglitinides: Repaglinide
Thiazolidinediones
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
Oral combination products
Drug therapy for diabetes: Incretin therapies
Pharmacotherapy of hypothyroid disorders
Pharmacotherapy of Hyperthyroid disorders
Replacement therapy with corticosteroids
Mineralocorticoids
Antiadrenal agents
24
Unit 9:
Pharmacology of the Cardiovascular System
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Positive inotropic agents
a. Define inotropic, chronotropic, & dromotropic.
b. Summarize the pathophysiology of heart failure including the body’s compensatory
mechanisms.
c. Identify the goals of treatment of heart failure.
d. Discuss the effect of cardiac glycosides & positive inotropic agents on a failing
heart.
e. Discuss the peak onset, duration of action, metabolism and excretion of positive
inotropic agents.
f. Identify significant drugs, laboratory tests & food interactions associated with
positive inotropic agents.
g. Explain why specific disease conditions & drugs are considered interactions,
cautions, or contraindications to the use of a digoxin and other positive inotropic
agents.
h. Explain the process of digitalizing a patient, including the initial dose, preparation
and administration of the medication, and nursing assessments needed to monitor
therapeutic response and digitalis toxicity.
i. Describe safety precautions associated with the preparation and administration of
digitalis glycosides.
j. Identify essential assessment data, nursing interventions, and health teaching needed
for a patient with heart failure.
k. Identify the nurse's responsibility in patients experiencing digoxin toxicity & to
patients receiving digoxin immune FAB (Digibind).
l. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with positive inotropic agents.
2. Antidysrhythmic agents
a. Define the most commonly encountered Dysrhythmias.
b. Describe normal cardiac function.
c. Identify the various classes of Antidysrhythmic agents as determined by their
mechanism of action.
d. List examples of specific drugs within each class of Antidysrhythmic agents.
e. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with Antidysrhythmic agents.
f. Identify baseline-nursing assessments that should be implemented during the
treatment of arrhythmias.
g. List the dosage forms and precautions needed in the preparation of intravenous
Lidocaine for the treatment of arrhythmias.
h. Identify the potential effects of muscle relaxants used during surgical intervention
when combined with Antiarrhythmic therapy.
3. Antiangina agents
a. Define angina
25
b. Discuss how cellular ischemia is responsible for causing angina.
c. Describe the actions of nitrates, beta-adrenergic blockers, and calcium channel
blockers on the myocardial tissue of the heart.
d. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with antiangina agents.
e. Identify assessment data needed to evaluate an angina attack.
f. Identify medication therapy health teaching of an angina patient.
4. Antihypertensive agents
a. Define hypertension.
b. Describe the different forms of hypertension
c. Discuss the rationale for using a stepped care approach in the management of
hypertension.
d. Describe nursing assessments and interventions used during the treatment of
hypertension.
e. State lifestyle modifications that should be implemented when a diagnosis of
hypertension is made.
f. Identify the nine classes of drugs used to treat hypertension.
g. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with antihypertensive agents.
h. List the nursing interventions of antihypertensive agent administration & approaches
to reduce hypertension.
i. List the outcome criteria used for patients receiving antihypertensive agents.
5. Diuretic agents
a. State the indication for diuretics.
b. State the different types of diuretics.
c. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with diuretic agents.
d. Identify nursing assessment data used to evaluate a patient’s hydration.
e. State which electrolytes may be altered by diuretic therapy.
f. Identify the effects of diuretics on blood pressure, electrolytes, and diabetic or
prediabetic patients.
g. Review the signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalance and normal laboratory
values of potassium, sodium and chloride.
h. Explain the rationale for administering diuretics cautiously to older patients and
people with impaired renal function, cirrhosis of the liver, or
i. Diabetes mellitus.
j. Identify alterations in diet that may be prescribed concurrently with loop, Thiazide,
or potassium-sparing diuretic therapy.
k. Describe the goal of administering diuretics to treat hypertension, and heart failure.
6. Coagulation Modifier agents
a. Explain what nonpharmacologic measures can improve peripheral circulation.
26
b. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with coagulation modifier agents.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
State the primary purposes of anticoagulant therapy.
Describe conditions that place an individual at risk for developing blood clots.
Identify specific nursing interventions that can prevent clot formation.
Explain laboratory data used to establish dosing of anticoagulant medications.
Describe specific monitoring procedures to detect hemorrhage in the anticoagulated
patient.
Describe procedures used to ensure that the correct dose of an anticoagulant is
prepared and administered.
Explain the specific procedures and techniques used to administer heparin
subcutaneously, via intermittent administration through a heparin lock, and via
intravenous infusion.
Identify the purpose, dosing determination, and scheduling factors associated with
the use of Protamine sulfate.
State the nursing assessments needed to monitor therapeutic response and the
development of side effects to expect or report from anticoagulant therapy.
7. Antilipemic agents
a. Identify the major types of lipoproteins.
b. List the various Antilipemic agents commonly used to treat hyperlipidemia.
c. State specific oral administration instructions needed with antilipidemic agents.
d. Identify the specific agents used to treat type II and type IV forms of hyperlipidemia.
e. Identify mechanisms of actions, drug effects, therapeutic uses, interactions, and side
& toxic effects associated with Antilipemic agents.
f. Identify therapeutic responses produced by the Antilipemic agents.
Content
Review of the cardiovascular system
Pharmacotherapy of hyperlipidemia
Calcium channel blockers
Drugs affecting the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
Diuretic therapy and the pharmacotherapy of renal failure
Pharmacotherapy of hypertension
Pharmacotherapy of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction
Pharmacotherapy of Heart failure
Pharmacotherapy of dysrhythmias
Pharmacotherapy of coagulation disorders
Pharmacotherapy of Hematopoietic disorders
Pharmacotherapy of Fluid, electrolyte and acid-base disorders
27
Unit 10
Pharmacology of the Neoplastic Disease
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Discuss the purpose of antineoplastic agents in the treatment of cancer.
2. Classify antineoplastic agents and monoclonal antibodies by their mechanisms of action.
3. Explain the normal cycle for cell replication and describe the effects of cell cycle-specific and
cell cycle-nonspecific drugs within this process.
4. State the rationale for giving chemotherapeutic drugs on a precise time schedule.
5. List the common side effects of and toxic reactions to antineoplastic agents and monoclonal
antibodies.
6. Discuss the mechanisms of action, cautions, contraindications, routes of administration, and
drug interactions associated with the use of all classes of antineoplastic agents and the
monoclonal antibodies.
7. Discuss the nursing assessments and interventions needed for persons experiencing adverse
effects from chemotherapy.
8. Discuss teaching guidelines for patients receiving antineoplastic agents.
Content
Basic principles of antineoplastic therapy
Pharmacotherapy of Neoplasia
Classification of Antineoplastic agents
Antineoplastic medications
Alkylating agents
Antimetabolites
Antitumor antibiotics
Hormones and hormone antagonists
Natural products
Biologic response modifiers and monoclonal antibodies
Miscellaneous antineoplastic
28
Unit 11:
Pharmacology of the Eye, Ear and Skin System
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Ophthalmic agents
a. Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the structure of the eye.
b. Explain the baseline data that should be gathered when an eye disorder exists.
c. Discuss the mechanism of action, cautions, side effects and contraindications of
ophthalmic preparations and associated nursing implications.
d. Describe the procedure for instilling eye drops or eye ointments.
e. Discuss teaching guide for patients receiving ophthalmic agents.
2. Otic agents
a. List the various types of otic preparations.
b. Discuss the mechanisms of action, dosage, cautions, contraindications & specific
application techniques related to otic agents.
c. Discuss teaching guide for patients receiving otic agents.
3. Dermatologic agents
a. Identify the structure and functions of the skin and associated structures
b. Explain how skin disease are classified
c. Describe the drug therapies for bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections of the
skin
d. Explain the etiology, pathogenesis, and pharmacotherapy for acne vulgaris, rosacea,
dermatitis, and psoriasis
e. Describe the prevention and management of minor burns
f. Describe the nurse’s role in the pharmacologic management of skin disorders
g. Identify the prototype and representative drugs and explain the mechanism of drug
action, primary indications, contraindications, significant drug interactions,
pregnancy category, and important adverse effects.
h. Discuses the nursing process to care for patients who are receiving drug therapy for
skin disorders.
Content
Review of the skin disorders
Pharmacotherapy of skin infections
Pharmacotherapy of acne and rosacea
Pharmacotherapy of dermatitis
Pharmacotherapy of psoriasis
Pharmacotherapy of minor skin burns
Pharmacotherapy of alopecia
Pharmacotherapy of eye and ear disorders
Pharmacotherapy of glaucoma
Pharmacotherapy for eye examinations
Pharmacotherapy of other eye conditions
Pharmacotherapy with otic preparations
Antibiotics
Cerumenolytics
29
Unit 12:
Pharmacology of Body Defenses
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the unit the student will have been provided with the learning activities to:
1. Anti-inflammatory and Immune System Response
a. Discuss the inflammatory response.
b. Identify the major components of the immune system.
c. Discuss the organs and cells of the immune system.
d. Differentiate between active and passive immunity.
e. Differentiate the drugs most often used to stimulate the immune system from those
used to suppress the immune system.
2. Immunostimulant agents
a. Compare the mechanisms of action, indications for use, cautions, contraindications,
side effects, and routes of administration for various toxoids and vaccines.
b. Discuss teaching guide for patients receiving immunostimulant agents.
3. Immunosuppressant agents
a. Discuss the role of immunosuppressive therapy in the treatment of autoimmune
diseases
b. Discuss the mechanisms of action, contraindications, cautions, side effects, and
toxicity associated with the most commonly used immunosuppressive agents.
c. Discuss teaching guide for patients receiving immunosuppressant agents
4. Biologic Response Modifiers
a. List the side effects, adverse reactions, and toxic effects associated with the biologic
response modifiers.
b. Discuss the use of biologic response modifiers in the treatment of neoplasms.
c. Discuss the mechanisms of action, cautions, contraindications, routes of
administration and drug interactions associated with biologic response modifiers.
d. Discuss teaching guide for patient’s biologic response modifiers.
Content
Review of body defenses and the immune system
Immunostimulants: Interferons & interleukins
Other biologic response Modifiers
Immunosuppressants
Calcineurin inhibitors
Cytotoxic agents and antimetabolites
Antibodies
Corticosteroids
Vaccines and the Immune system
Active immunity: bacterial immunizations
Active immunity: viral immunizations
Passive immunity
Pharmacotherapy of HIV-AIDS
Prophylaxis of HIV infections
Pharmacotherapy of Opportunistic infections associated with HIV-AIDS
30
DRUG CARD/PROFILE
Objective: Demonstrate the ability to utilize information about pharmaceutical agents.
Drug Classification:
List of Drugs:
Mode of
Action:
Indications: Side Effects/ Food/
Drug Interactions/
Contradictions:
31
Adverse Nursing
Effects: Implications:
Client
Teaching:
TV Pharmaceutical Ads – Facts and/or Myths
Each group will select a TV pharmaceutical drug and post on BB under
discussion. NO TWO GROUPS CAN HAVE THE SAME TOPIC. Complete the following
information on the drug covered in the TV commercial; attach a clip of the ad;
paper is one page in length; completed paper must be posted online by
Wednesday, November 14th.
1. Recall/Recognize: Name a TV pharmaceutical commercial that is advertised from
the learning outcome list. (List generic and trade name for the specific drug)
2. Understand: What did you understand about the medication from the commercial?
(State your preliminary/initial understanding of the drug based on the commercial
alone)
3. Apply: Apply the use of the medication to a health situation/condition.
4. Analyze: Describe what the nurse must know about the medication?
5. Evaluate: Evaluate as to whether the commercial communicated clear, helpful
health information to the general public, based on FDA regulations and/or other drug
information.
6. Synthesis: Compose a drug profile using the drug card format given for the
medication selected.
32
RNSG 1301 – FALL 2012
PHARMACOLOGY
COURSE EXPECTATIONS CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT
I, _______________________________________, have read the syllabus and fully understand the
expectations of me as a student in this course.
I acknowledge that I am aware that the A.D.N. Student Handbook is on the RNSG 1301 website and I
am accountable for following the policies and procedures discussed in the handbook.
I acknowledge that I am aware that the course syllabus is on the RNSG 1301 website and I am
accountable for following the policies and procedures discussed in the syllabus.
In addition, I agree to neither give nor receive any information about test content in this course.
My signature below signifies my willingness to comply with the course requirements.
______________________________________
Printed Name
______________________________________
Phone Number
______________________________________
Email Address
______________________________________
Signature
______________________________________
Date
33